Ilhan Omar: “I rise in support of the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act. I come to this issue both as a legislator and a…”

“I rise in support of the Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act. I come to this issue both as a legislator and a longtime fan of the sport. At its best, boxing is a sport of courage, discipline, and dignity. For too long, the people who are risking the most have not always been treated with the fairness and respect they deserve. Congress passed the original Ali Act for a reason: to stop powerful interests from exploiting boxers and denying them control over their careers. When this bill first came before us, I had significant concerns. That is why I worked hard to make it better. We negotiated in good faith with the majority, and we did make it better. This bill now includes stronger baseline protections for boxers, including higher pay, better healthcare coverage, and stronger ringside medical protections. It also includes an amendment that I offered with Representative Stevens to guarantee free agency for boxers, strengthening their economic freedom, and limiting the ability of powerful leagues to control boxers' careers. I am voting ``yes'' today because boxers deserve those benefits and protections. Let me be clear: This work is not done. We still need stronger financial transparency, stronger antimonopoly provisions, and stronger safeguards against coercive contracts, including forced arbitration clauses. I support this bill, not because it is perfect, but because we fought hard to make sure it wasn't just a gift to industry.”